Travel to Battambang (Preat Tbong)

Travel to Battambang (Preat Tbong) with mr.hotsia: A small city full of charm

Battambang, or called "Preat Tbong" in Khmer, is a border province of Cambodia that I, mr.hotsia, have had the opportunity to visit and experience the local way of life up close. The first feeling upon arrival is that this city is unlike the big tourist cities like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Battambang is a small, peaceful town perfect for those who want to truly soak in the authentic atmosphere of local life. You don’t need to hire expensive tuk-tuks; you can walk around and explore the city in a single day.

Traveling to Battambang is very convenient. If coming from Thailand, I recommend driving or taking a bus through the Ban Phak Kad permanent border checkpoint in Chanthaburi Province, which is about 100 kilometers from Battambang city. The roads are newly paved and very good. Alternatively, you can stop by Pailin first, which is about 26 kilometers from the border, and there is another large permanent checkpoint called "Ban Laem" with full services including a casino on the Cambodian side. Traveling from Poipet or Phnom Penh is also easy, taking about 4 hours from Phnom Penh with a bus fare around 200 baht.

The city atmosphere and lifestyle I fell in love with

For me, mr.hotsia, the most impressive thing about Battambang is not just the famous tourist spots likeBamboo Train (Bamboo Railway)or Banan Temple alone, but also walking around and exploringBattambang Fresh Marketwhich still retains the authentic local vibe that is hard to find in Thailand anymore. The fresh market here is full of natural fresh products — shrimp, shellfish, crabs, fish — caught and sold fresh by the locals. Walking through it felt like stepping back into the past of Thailand’s old days.

The Stung Sangker River flowing through the city adds more life to Battambang. Locals still use traditional cast nets to catch fish, a scene I, mr.hotsia, often like to capture with my camera. Walking around Battambang feels like traveling back in time to experience the simple and beautiful unhurried way of life.

Convenient and affordable accommodation

If you’re worried about accommodation, Battambang offers many options at very cheap prices compared to other tourist cities in Cambodia. Air-conditioned rooms with basic amenities cost about 300 baht per night only. I, mr.hotsia, recommend booking in advance for certainty. You can check accommodations fromHotels and Guesthouses in Battambangthat I have compiled.

I stayed at Lux Guesthouse, a clean and new hotel with kind owners and staff who speak some English. They have air-conditioned rooms with hot water and affordable prices. They also help arrange tuk-tuk tours around the city and tourist spots. I used their service to comfortably explore the city and attractions.

Local food you must try

Food in Battambang is another highlight I, mr.hotsia, really enjoy. There are many local curry rice shops with flavors similar to Thai but with unique characteristics that make every bite exciting. For tourists, there are also Western and Indian restaurants near the accommodation area, still very affordable, especially local dishes priced at only 2 USD per plate.

My favorite is the sweet fish rice porridge shop in the old market. The sweet fish tastes a bit like Thai food. I ate two bowls with two fish dishes — absolutely delicious with no annoying bones. Also, along the streets, you’ll find roasted duck, grilled chicken, and fried birds sold commonly. They usually eat these with steamed rice, not sticky rice like in Thailand.Read more about Battambang food

Travel tips and must-see places

If you have a full day, I, mr.hotsia, recommend renting a tuk-tuk for 13 USD per day to tour around Battambang, including must-see spots like the fun and unique Bamboo Train, the Killing Caves at Wat Phnom Sampov — a significant historical site worth exploring,Wat Phnom Sampovand Banan Temple located on a hilltop with beautiful views and fresh air.

At Wat Phnom Sampov, there is a cave that was used as a killing site during the Khmer Rouge era. It may sound harsh but is an important historical lesson worth visiting. I recommend hiring a good English-speaking guide, or if you’re lucky, a Thai-speaking guide to better understand the story and communicate more easily.

Small things that impressed me

I, mr.hotsia, once tried a seated hair wash in Battambang. They didn’t rinse much water but focused on a relaxing head massage. It only cost 2 USD and was a new and memorable experience.Hair wash info for Battambang travel

Additionally, Battambang has a famous giant statue holding a club called "Luang Ta Kambong Dong Yuong," which many Thai visitors come to worship and make wishes. This belief is another reason why many Thai tourists frequently visit here.Luang Ta Kambong Dong Yuong

Summary of impressions from mr.hotsia

Battambang is an easy-to-travel, affordable city full of the charm of local life and rich nature. I, mr.hotsia, felt like I traveled back in time to old Thailand. French-style buildings still stand on street corners, making the city beautiful and uniquely distinctive.

If you love unhurried travel and want to truly experience the real Khmer life, Battambang is the answer you shouldn’t overlook. I recommend visiting at least once; I guarantee you’ll return with wonderful memories.